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Several New York self-storage operators have joined an initiative from Monolith Solar Associates LLC in which the company will lease their rooftops as a way to reduce the ecological footprint of its solar farms. Boat N RV Condos, Luther Road Self Storage Inc. and Metro Movers Inc. are three businesses participating in the program.

Aug 17, 2017

Several New York self-storage operators have joined an initiative from Monolith Solar Associates LLC in which the company will lease their rooftops as a way to reduce the ecological footprint of its solar farms. Boat N RV Condos, Luther Road Self Storage Inc. and Metro Movers Inc. are three businesses participating in the program.

Boat N RV added solar panels this year to the rooftops at its two facilities in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. The operator is renting its roof space to Monolith on a 20-year lease. Under the agreement, the solar company supplies, installs and maintains the solar system, while the storage facility receives free electricity. Whatever energy isn’t used on the property is sold by Monolith back to the grid, according to a source.

The Glens Falls project was completed in February, while the Saratoga Springs system was installed in July. The self-storage operator is affiliated with Concord Pools in Latham, which has had rooftop solar panels for 10 years, the source reported. Company principal Michael Giavanone called the solar initiative a “socially responsible approach” to leveraging unused space. “We want to do everything we can to improve the environment,” he said.

In East Greenbush, Luther Road Self Storage installed a 200,000-watt solar array that will be part of an 8-megawatt portfolio to benefit Rensselaer County, a source reported. County officials joined Monolith founders Steve Erby and Mark Fobare for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the storage facility on Monday. Solar panels have been placed on all five buildings on the property.

Last month, the Guilderland Planning Board voted to recommend a Monolith application to install solar panels on two self-storage buildings at the Metro Movers facility at 2703 Curry Road. The project would comprise 160,000 watts, with a 91,000-watt array placed on one structure and 70,000 watts designated for the other building, according to a source. The project was sent to the zoning board of appeals for approval.

Recent changes to the state’s net-metering process and other financial and regulatory conditions have resulted in an increase in solar projects across New York, a source reported.

Founded in 2008, Monolith works primarily with commercial and municipal customers. Its installed more than 21.6 megawatts of solar power, according to its website. Its solar farms stretch across New York, from east of Albany to west of Buffalo.